leaf spring question

Hi guys, i'm looking to change my rear suspension. I already done the front i have bought a 4 inch leaf front a friend of mine and cannot tell where it come from. For the rear i putted some longer shakkle to balance the height of the jeep. But now the front is pretty good flex good and keep his original height. But for the rear the leaf are now flat and start to gain negative bending. I need to know what you guy's put at the rear (pro-comp/teraflex/rought contry/etc) because i dont want to change them again in one year.

My setup is a cj5 1975, fiberglass body amc 360/t18/dana 2

 

Re: leaf srping question

Just think about something...i have at the moment two coil spring and all the adware that come with it from a ford bronco 1978...i was think inteads of putting new leaf if i coul just cut the coil spring at the good height and put it at the rear...i need opinion on that! Thank guys

 

Re: leaf srping question

Don't like the coil idea. Are you sure they are near the correct spring rate you need? Are you ready to build links for the suspension? If your just planning on putting them between the leafs and the frame?

Personally I would buy a whole new set of springs front and rear. Then you know what you have and you know it is good.

 

Re: leaf srping question

Front fit perfect with my setup...the rear is the problem and yes my idea is to put the coil spring between the leafs and the frame

 

Re: leaf srping question

Sounds like a lot of fab work(mounts) for what could be fixed with a new set of springs. Those coils are a higher rate when combined with your current springs then your old springs by a hefty shot, remember front springrates are normally higher then the rear because the front springs typically have the engine and rad to support almost completely on their own. Also the frame where you will mount the spring is not the strongest place, these frames are not known for being the strongest in the world so putting stress where the engineers didn't intent there to be that kind of stress.
If you have not noticed I am saying new springs, the reason is it is the easiest and in the long run the best idea.

 

Re: leaf srping question

For the fab thing i already have everything that i need...and for the new spring i'm running out of budget for this....that's why i'm looking for coil spring. You got a point with the stress over the frame...but the coil wont take all the stress leaf take some too...what a dillema....thank for help will see what others will propose

 

Re: leaf srping question

I agree with the coil idea...i wouldn't do it. I would put some money together and buy you a brand new set of rancho leaf springs at the correct amount of lift. if the front is 4" lift springs, then i would buy 4" rouch country leaf springs. They are not the best, but they are priced fair and take a good beating and will keep on going. My opinion. Good luck!

 

Re: leaf srping question

ok guy i'll go with new leaf spring...for the moment i just fab some king of stopper so my tire wont touche my body anymore.

Couple of month i'm gonna put the 4 inch spring at the back.!!

 

Re: leaf srping question

If you have the fab skills to put a coil spring suspension in, put a custom pack in the back. Find a used (free is good) set of springs, cherokee, s-10, ranger, YJ, CJ, wagoneer, Ford, Chevy, Dodge, whatever will work. Build, buy, or resuse off the donor vehical the spring mounts and place them where you want the Jeep to sit. If under the frame doesn't work, outboard the springs and move them higher on the frame.
Outboarding with wider springs will help make the Jeep more streetable.
If the springs are to stiff/soft pull/add leafs as needed.

 

Re: leaf srping question

since your on a tight budget look at 4wd hardwhere. they have procomp springs in 2.5 & 4 inch lift for around $75 each. its the cheapest place i have found individual lift springs.